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Albert S. Cook Library

Zotero

A guide to using the citation management tool Zotero.

Other Citation Management Tools

Visit our EndNote and Mendeley guides to learn about other options for citation management.

Business & Economics Librarian

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Shana Gass
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Brittni Ballard
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Science, Technology, and Math Librarian

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Elisabeth B. White
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What is Zotero?

Zotero is a free, open-source citation management software that allows you to:

  • Conveniently and securely store, organize, and track sources based on project, class, theme, etc.
  • Quickly generate citations and bibliographies in any style.
  • Easily find sources you’ve previously saved.
  • Back up your library of sources to the cloud.

Install Zotero

  • Go to Zotero.org
  • Install browser extension
  • Install desktop app
  • Welcome to the Zotero Setup Wizard: click Next Select Standard, click Next Specify installation location (usually default is fine), click Install Check the Launch Zotero now box and click Finish
  • Register aka create Zotero account
  • Install word processor plugin (for Microsoft Word and Google Docs)
  • On the desktop app, go to Edit > Preferences > Sync tab. Enter user name & password for Zotero account

What is Citation Management Software?

This brief video details how citation management software can save you time and energy while researching. It demos EndNote, Mendeley, and Zotero. It features closed captions and audio narration. To navigate the various sections of this 8-minute video, please watch it on YouTube to access the Table of Contents in the Description field.
Subjects: Writing